NASHVILLE — White-tailed deer populations in portions of Middle and West Tennessee are currently experiencing an increase in hemorrhagic disease (HD) activity based on TWRA monitoring efforts. HD is a naturally occurring disease in deer, typical of southeastern states, that can be caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BT) viruses. These viruses are transmitted by a biting midge (known as no-see-ums), not directly between deer. HD is not known to cause disease in humans either through insect bites or through handling or consuming meat from infected deer.

HD occurs seasonally, but the severity is highly variable year-to-year, ranging from a few infrequent cases to highly visible outbreaks. Outbreaks are known to be linked to environmental conditions that impact the midge life cycle. Midges breed in the mud around water sources such as stump holes and small puddles. Years of excessive rain in the spring and early summer, followed by dry conditions in the late summer (as much of Tennessee has experienced this year), create favorable conditions for midge reproduction and elevated abundance, increasing the risk of HD outbreaks. 

The disease can cause fatigue, respiratory distress, swollen tongue, sores in the mouth, fever, and sloughing of hooves that may cause lameness in deer. The deer may become thin, the tongue may hang from the mouth, accompanied by drooling, a lack of fear, and the whites of the eye may appear red. Usually, sick, dying, or dead deer are found in or near water as they try to relieve fever symptoms. However, not all deer that succumb to HD will look sick. Midges will die off with the first hard frost, but already infected deer may exhibit symptoms for several weeks after.

Deer can recover from this disease and develop immunity that can be passed on to the next generation. Therefore, the severity of outbreaks also depends on the level of herd immunity to circulating viruses. Some of these survivors may look thin and could suffer from lameness until their condition improves. Deer populations in the Southeast have evolved with these viruses and show long-term resiliency. Developed immunity often prevents consecutive outbreaks, allowing time for natural population recovery.

Thus far, HD has been lab confirmed in eight white-tailed deer in Franklin, Giles, Humphreys, Lewis, Shelby, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson counties, with additional sick and dead deer reports coming in that are consistent with HD. TWRA officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. If you find a sick or dead deer, please submit a report at https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/sickdeer.html. TWRA staff may reach out to you if there is an opportunity to collect a viable sample for HD testing. Testing can only occur within 24 hours of death.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

This past Saturday the Smith County Amateur Radio Club in combination with the Upper Cumberland
Amateur Radio Club had the opportunity to assist with the Run 4 Don event in Gainsboro. The event is
held honoring Donald Chaffin as we run and walk to raise money to benefit students in their pursuit of a
Christian education and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research in hopes of finding a cure for Lou
Gehrig’s disease. At the invitation of Smith County attorney Jeremy Hassler, the president for the event,
the Smith County ARES group established positions through out the 15K and 5K race route as safety
check points for runners. This was both an exercise for the group in collaboration with other groups as
well as the testing and utilization of the amateur radio (a.k.a. HAM) ability to communicate without the
need for existing infrastructure such as cellular or fixed radio repeaters being in place. The group
established its primary point of communication, known as net operations, and the ten-member team
performed race updates as well as reporting on one hazard during the race. It would seem that a bicycle
group was using the same route as part of the race and posed a hazard to some younger runners as they
did not yield to the pedestrians.

The race organizers in addition to the local police expressed their gratitude to the group for its assurance
of the runners’ safety as well as the expression of thanks by many of the runners for the members being
there for them.

The Smith County Amateur Radio Club is comprised of licensed amateur radio operators who have a
desire to assist the public when opportunity is presented as well as in times of emergencies. The Smith
County Amateur Radio Club, which holds it meeting each 3rd Monday of the month at the Smith County
Chamber of Commerce building at 6:00pm is a great way to start learning about amateur radio and
becoming licensed. Additional information can be found on their Facebook page or in this paper.

Applications Due: Friday, October 10, 2025

The River City Ball is now accepting applications to select the 2026 beneficiary! Over the past 7 years, the event has donated over $150,000 back to our community. Each year, a new local organization is chosen to receive support.

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Who Can Apply?

• Local charities
• Non-profits
• Community organizations

501(c)(3) status is not required, but will be considered in the review.

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Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: Friday, October 10, 2025
• Applicant Presentations: Monday, October 13, 2025, at 5:30 PM
  • 5-minute in-person or video presentation required.
  • Presentation should include new, memorable information not found in the application.

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How to Apply:

• Visit: https://therivercityball.org/cause-application/
• Or email: rivercityball@outlook.com to request the form.
• Submit via:
  • Website
  • Email (rivercityball@outlook.com)
  • Or deliver to the Chamber of Commerce

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Stay Connected:

• Follow River City Ball on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
• Interested in being a 2026 sponsor or applying as the beneficiary? Contact the committee via email or social media.

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Save the Date:

The 2026 River City Ball will be held on May 9, 2026 at Catesa Farms.

Can you tell the difference between a sweetgum, a sugar maple, and a sassafras tree? How about identifying fall webworm, emerald ash borer, or dogwood anthracnose? Fourteen Smith County 4-H’ers recently learned these things and more as they practiced for and competed in the Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest held at Cedars of Lebanon State Park on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

We are extremely proud of our 4-H’ers, especially since Smith County 4-H had the 1st Place Team in all three divisions: Junior (4th & 5th Grade), Junior High (6th, 7th, & 8th Grade), and Senior High (9th-12th Grade). I would certainly describe that as a tree-mendous day of competition!

Not only did Smith County come away with team awards, but many of our competitors were also recognized as Top 10 Individuals in their respective divisions.

Our Junior Team was made up of Peter Chartier (7th Place), J Allen Kemp (3rd Place), and Christina Wilson (4th Place).

Our Junior High Team A was made up of Luke Chartier (6th Place), Josie Harville (1st Place), McCall Kemp (4th Place), and Kyler Yerge (2nd Place).

Our Junior High Team B placed 2nd in their division and was made up of Titus Chartier (10th Place), Evie Wilson (7th Place), and Katie Wilson (11th Place).

Our Senior High Team was made up of Tana Harville (2nd Place), Turner Harville (1st Place), Avery O’Brien (4th Place), and Bradley Yerge (3rd Place). These students will get the chance to compete at the State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in October.

During the 4-H Forestry Judging competition, 4-H’ers are asked to correctly identify 20 different species of trees, 10 common insects or examples of their damage, and 10 diseases that can affect trees and the health of our forests. Competitors are also required to measure trees using a Biltmore stick, accurately estimate distances by pacing, and know how to use a compass. Our 4-H’ers have put in a lot of hard work over the past month to learn all the parts of the contest, and it definitely paid off!

Congratulations to everyone! Special thanks to 4-H Alumni Carson Meeks and former National 4-H Forestry Judging competitors Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, and Owen Meeks for

helping coach our teams this year! We love seeing these kids get excited about outdoor education!

If you would like to learn more about the 4-H Forestry Judging program or any of the many exciting opportunities that 4-H can offer our local youth, please contact Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or rpetty@utk.edu.

Tennessee Tech University is making it easier than ever for high school seniors and transfer students to become Golden Eagles by waiving application fees for the week of September 15-19.

“Tennessee Tech is always looking for ways to open doors for future students,” said Jacob Cutshall, director of admissions at Tech. “Waiving the undergraduate application fee during the week of September 15-19 is one more way we can remove barriers and make it easier for students to take their first step toward joining our Golden Eagle community.”

Prospective students interested in taking advantage of the weeklong promotion should visit www.tntech.edu/apply. The application takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

As students fill out the application, there will be no payment screen displayed for those completing the undergraduate application for domestic students – a $25 savings. Applying early is encouraged so students have the best chance of being eligible for scholarships. The priority application deadline for scholarships is Dec. 15.

Prospective students can also schedule VIP campus visits with a Tech Trailblazer – current students who provide personalized, one-on-one tours to guests and their families – at www.tntech.edu/visit.

Tennessee Tech is rated as the number one public university in Tennessee by Money.com and ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 225 programs of study, and Tech grads leave with the least debt of all public universities in Tennessee.

As we prepare for the fall season, now is a great time to start thinking about seasonal gifts! Handmade or homemade gifts always mean the most to me, because they come from the heart. UT-TSU Smith County Extension is partnering with UT Putnam County Extension to offer a two-day canning workshop this fall. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 24th and Friday, September 26th from 9:30 a.m. to 12p.m. to attend a two-day fun-filled workshop. The event will be held at Gordonsville First Baptist Church.

The workshop is only thirty dollars for both days. This includes take home jar(s), as well as, a wealth of knowledge. The workshop will cover the basics of canning and current recommendations for processing food. We will discuss food safety and the science of canning. We will also go through step-by-step process for water bath canning and pressure canning. Friday will be focused on preserving gifts. This involves hands on experience with water bath canning. Since we will be canning, please be sure to wear closed toe shoes and comfortable clothes. Participants must pre-register by September 22nd. Space is limited, so call the extension office at 615-735-2900 to reserve your spot, today!

Cauliflower Salad

1 head lettuce, torn

1 head cauliflower, diced

¼ cup bacon bits

1 medium red onion, chopped

2 cups mayonnaise

¼ cup parmesan cheese grated

½ cup sugar

2 Tablespoons vinegar

Layer the lettuce, cauliflower, bacon bits and onion in a large bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients and spread on top of the salad. Cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, stir well. Serves 12.

Submitted by: Maggie Klenke, Grant FCE Club

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) celebrated the completion of the 350th Home Uplift renovation on Wednesday, Sept. 10. This milestone highlights ongoing efforts to help local homeowners save money and improve energy efficiency.

The celebration took place at the home of Susie and Garry Tanner of Woodbury, who recently received extensive energy upgrades through the Home Uplift Program. Improvements included a new heating and cooling unit, ductwork sealing, a water heater upgrade, added attic insulation, air sealing and other high-impact energy-saving measures—all at no cost to the homeowner.

“This program is about more than saving energy—it’s about changing lives,” said Chris Jones, MTE president/CEO. “When we help members like Mr. Tanner make their homes more energy-efficient, they benefit from lower bills, greater comfort and lasting improvements in their home.”

Since its launch in 2020, the partnership between MTE and TVA has brought the Home Uplift Program to hundreds of qualifying homeowners across Middle Tennessee. On average, participants save more than $400 annually on energy costs. Eligible upgrades may include insulation, ductwork replacement, water heater improvements, HVAC tune-ups, and new energy-efficient appliances.

Ray Knotts, TVA senior director of demand management, noted the broader impact of the initiative: “Across the Tennessee Valley, TVA and local power companies have completed more than 7,500 Home Uplift projects since 2018. Every one of these upgrades helps reduce the energy burden for families and strengthens our communities.”

For Mr. Tanner, the program has already made a difference. “We really appreciate all the work they’ve done for us,” he said. “It’s improved the house considerably.”

The Home Uplift Program continues to be a cornerstone of MTE and TVA’s shared mission to deliver affordable, reliable energy while improving the lives of members and customers.
To learn more about the program or start an application, visit mte.com/HomeUplift.

Additional photos can be found here: https://mtemc.canto.com/b/V96AK                                                                           ###

About Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE)
Founded in 1936, MTE is the largest electric cooperative in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region and the second largest in the United States, serving more than 750,000 Tennesseans via 345,000+ accounts covering nearly 2,200 square miles in 11 Middle Tennessee counties, primarily Rutherford, Cannon, Williamson and Wilson. Municipalities served include Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Smyrna, La Vergne, Lebanon and Mt. Juliet. MTE employs around 540 people in six local offices and its Murfreesboro headquarters. 

MTE’s subsidiary, United Communications, is a nationally recognized broadband company with a fiber network spanning more than 4,800 route miles, providing high-speed internet and phone services to portions of Bedford, Davidson, Franklin, Giles, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Rutherford, Williamson, and Wilson counties. 

For more information, please visit www.mte.com.

For more information, please contact:
Amy Byers at 615-494-0407 or amybyers@mte.com, or
Larry Rose at 615-494-1506 or larryrose@mte.com

About The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
 The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, coal, gas, solar and advanced technologies. TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission.

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. TVA maintains some of the lowest energy costs and highest reliability in the nation. TVA’s residential rates are lower than those paid by about 80% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities, and its industrial rates are lower than those paid by over 90% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities. In addition, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at TVA.com.

Media Contact:
Scott Fiedler at 901-414-6964 or safiedler@tva.gov

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is happy to report, that for the fourth consecutive year, there were no boating-related fatalities over the Labor Day holiday period from Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

There were three injuries, and five property damage incidents reported statewide. Three boating under the influence arrest were made, all related to crash investigations.

For the year, there have been 18 statewide boating-related fatalities. The total is two more than the same time last year and two less than through the same period in 2023.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced the application period for the 2025 Early Season Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Waterfowl Hunt will be open from Sept. 24 through Oct. 14. Applications can be made online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, the TWRA mobile app, TWRA regional offices, or any TWRA license agent. Mailed applications will not be accepted. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Detailed application instructions, WMA locations, and general waterfowl quota hunt information are available on the TWRA Quota Hunts webpage. The deadline for applications is Oct. 14 at 11:59 p.m. (CDT).

A person may only submit one application, which can include up to 48 unique hunt choices; hunt choices may not be repeated. Qualifying parties must have at least four members, with a maximum of eight.

Successful applicants will receive an email with instructions to log in and must claim their permit by Oct. 27 at 11:59 CDT. Each party member must claim their own permit. Permits will be available to print after the permit has been claimed. Individuals in the party who fail to claim their permit forfeit their individual permit but may still hunt with a permit holder in attendance at the blind. If no one in a successfully drawn party claims their permit, the party forfeits that site, and the site will be allocated through an in-person leftover drawing.

The leftover drawings will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. local time. The drawing locations are listed on page 85 of the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

Check out the September 2025 edition of the Smith County Chamber Corner Show!

This month’s show features local businesses, community organization and events going on in and around Smith County.

If you would like to promote your event or local business on the Smith County Chamber Corner Show, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce by calling 615-735-2093 today. 

Watch the full show below, or catch it on DTC3 TV.